Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano says any suggestion his side wouldn't play a grand final in Wellington - should they earn the right to - would be disappointing.
He was asked about general manager David Dome hinting at the possibility of not hosting the A-League men's grand final in the capital, should the side finish top of the ladder and win through to the decider, before leaving for Australia today.
This came as a surprise to head coach Italiano.
"I think it would be disappointing if we were to get a home final, because the club is from Wellington and it needs to be played here. Not just to reward the players, but reward the fans for backing us," Italiano said.
The Phoenix travel to play Central Coast Mariners in a top of the table clash on Saturday night which could decide which team finishes the regular season on top.
"It's another normal game, I don't want to go into the game thinking it's a grand final," Italiano said.
The Wellington Phoenix sit top of the A-League men's ladder, with only four matches left to play in the season, and the club is looking ahead to the final series.
If the Phoenix finish first, they automatically qualify for week two of the finals and will host one leg of the semi-finals. Additionally if the side wins that semi-final as the highest ranked team, they will host the grand final set to be held on the weekend of May 24.
"When we went through Covid I realised how loyal a fan base we have. They had to go through hardship when we were away from home for two years and I'd love to give the fan base something to cheer for," Italiano said.
The high-flying Phoenix have two more regular season home games to play and the Phoenix coach wants fans to come out in good numbers for one last push before the finals.
The APL responded to Dome's comments in a statement: "Sky Stadium meets all criteria, and is available, to host the 2024 Isuzu UTE A-League Men Grand Final. Should the Wellington Phoenix earn the right to host the Grand Final we look forward to playing our showpiece event in Wellington and filling the stadium."
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